Rock Hill And The Secondary Is Where He Calls Home

Roger Coggins

05/23/2003

Northwestern High School is home to perhaps one of the elite defensive back prospects in the state this season. This 6-2, 205 SS had six interceptions his junior campaign. He's had a strong spring showing that drew praise from college recruiters all over the country ...

C.J. Barber of Northwestern High School in Rock Hill (S.C.) is as gifted as they come. He can play anywhere on the field. Defensive coordinator, Bobby Carroll of the Trojans, took time out to speak with The Insiders about his prize pupil Barber.

"He's the most gifted athlete we've ever had. He benches over 300-pounds. He runs a 4.5 (forty) electronically timed. He has a 40 inch vertical jump. He's being recruited by every division one school, from UCLA to Miami. I think he likes South Carolina, but then again I think he likes all the schools recruiting him. Whoever gets him will get a good football player and a good kid," coach Carroll said.

According to coach Carroll, Barber is taking his recruiting in stride and is wide open at the moment. C.J. has his mind on his academics and preparing for his senior campaign on the gridiron.

"He's concentrating on his weightlifting, running ... and the scholastic part."

Barber has not yet spoken with Coach Carroll about his summer football camp plans. In the meantime Jimmy Wallace is working with certain coaches to ascertain Barber's current athletic value in various recruiting circles.

GamecockInsider.Com will keep you updated on Barber during his recruitment by the Gamecocks.